Make it a morning out at the Yorkville farmer’s market

By Erika Wurst for Chronicle Media

Michelle and Matthew Lankton sell Treasure Bread at the Yorkville Farmer’s Market to help raise money to send Matthew to Italy next summer. (Photo by Erika Wurst / for Chronicle Media)

Farmer’s Market season is in full swing, and if you’re looking for a quaint stop on you mission of fresh fruit, food and fun, Yorkville’s Town Square Park is where you should be.

Held every Saturday morning through Aug. 25, the Yorkville Farmer’s Market brings together more than a dozen local vendors peddling their products.

From pulled pork parfaits (yes, it’s a real thing) to organic produce, decorative signs and elegant hand soaps, there’s no shortage of treasures to be found.

Cue Michelle Lankton and her 15-year-old son Matthew, who braved the heat and humidity to sell Treasure Bread at their first Farmer’s Market.

The breads, which come in a classic cinnamon and sugar, also feature flavors like Amber Pumpkin, Ruby Cranberry Orange, Brownie Bliss Triple Chocolate, Banana Walnut and Blueberry Lemon.

The grass-roots business has been a Kendall County staple for more than a decade.

The business’ owners, Geneva and Rena Pedersen, offered the Lanktons the opportunity to sell the bread at this year’s market in hopes of helping Matthew raise money for a school-sponsored trip to Italy next summer. For every loaf sold, Matthew gets a portion of the profit.

A steady stream of customers line up for hotdogs at Home Plate Hotdogs during the Yorkville Farmer’s Market. (Photo by Erika Wurst / for Chronicle Media)

“We feel blessed that people in the community are helping myself and my son,” Michelle Lankton said while manning the booth. “The market is local, we’re local and I get to see a lot of my friends and people in the community while we’re here.”

Also enjoying his first year at the market was Jake Cooper of Cooper Family farms, located just south of Yorkville. He said the market was the perfect opportunity to showcase what the farm has to offer.

“We want to get our name out in the community and get people trying products they can’t get anywhere else,” Cooper said on June 16 during a scorching Saturday.

Selling meat on a 100-degree day does take some leg work, however. The family brings in multiple glass-faced coolers to set up in the park. Customers can purchase beef, pork, eggs and other farm-fresh products.

Traditionally, those wishing to indulge in Cooper’s food must make an appointment and visit the farm. This year, with the market underway, the convenience of fresh food is a walk in the park.

Nearby, Alexis and Ryan Kipping, of Yorkville, lounged in the shade with their son, Jacob, 8, and Ben 5, as they tried their best to escape the heat.

Shaved Kona Ice seemed to do the trick.

It was the family’s first time at the Yorkville market, and the group said they’d likely be back.

Jake Cooper, of Cooper Family Farm, sells beef, pork and eggs at the Yorkville Farmer’s Market. (Photo by Erika Wurst / for Chronicle Media)

“I like how it’s not as crazy and crowded as other markets,” Alexis Kipping said. “And there seems to be a lot more shade.”

Families sprawled out in the grass, sat in benches, and munched on Home Plate Hotdogs, Farmer’s Tacos and Honey Beef French Fries.

Dogs roamed about, friends greeted each other, and everyone seemed to find something up their alley.

“It’s nice to support something more local than just going to the grocery store,” Kipping said. “You get fresher fruit, veggies and proteins that aren’t so processed.”

WHO’S AT THE MARKET

The market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Aug. 25 at Town Square Park, 301 N. Bridge St. Yorkville.

2018 vendors are:

Angelic Journeys (Handmade Wind Chimes, Solar Lights, Bird Feeders, and Mosaic Windows)

Amber Dawn Farm (Fresh Produce)

Aroma Roots (Bath Bombs, Bath Products, Body Products, and Soaps)

Aromacharms, A Beautiful Way to Be Natural (Diffused essential oils on the go)

Bones & Brew Inc. (Chicken, BBQ Meats, Salad, Beans, Coleslaw, and Various Sides)

G+L Design and Build (Wooden Furniture and Decor)

Ginger & Soul Inc. (Tralla Creative and Pickles)

The Garden Faire (Honey, Plants, and Garden Decor)

Forget Me Not Cookies (Decorated Sugar Cookies)

Henna Designs by Katie (Henna Design Art)

Kona Ice North Plainfield (Shaved Ice)

More Kreations (Homemade Wood Signs, Tea Towels, Wine Glasses, and Mugs)

  1. Cooper Family Farms, LLC (Meat and Eggs)

Rogue Farm to Curbside Kitchen (Gourmet Sandwiches and Street Faire Food Truck)

Sonoma Farms, LLC (Pasta Sauce, Flavored Salsa, Condiments, Pickled Products, and Meatballs)

Wicks & Wax (Hand-Poured Soy Candles and Wax Melts)

Passion Enterprises LLC. Prairieland Honey Company (Local, Raw, and Natural Honey)

Treasure Breads, LLC. (Gourmet Sweet Breads in Large or Mini Loaves)–

 

 

 

— Make it a morning out at the Yorkville farmer’s market —